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Course Profile   Mathematics of Personal Finance, Grade 11, College Preparation, Catholic and Public

 

Course Overview

 

Course Profiles are professional development materials designed to help teachers implement the new Grade 11 secondary school curriculum. These materials were created by writing partnerships of school boards and subject associations. The development of these resources was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This document reflects the views of the developers and not necessarily those of the Ministry. Permission is given to reproduce these materials for any purpose except profit. Teachers are also encouraged to amend, revise, edit, cut, paste, and otherwise adapt this material for educational purposes.

 

Any references in this document to particular commercial resources, learning materials, equipment, or technology reflect only the opinions of the writers of this sample Course Profile, and do not reflect any official endorsement by the Ministry of Education or by the Partnership of School Boards that supported the production of the document.

 

© Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2001

 

Acknowledgments

Public and Catholic District School Board Writing Teams – Mathematics of Personal Finance

 

Public Project Manager

Karen Allan – Durham District Board of Education

Co-lead Writers

Krysta Mehler – Greater Essex County District School Board

Jeff Brosseau – Greater Essex County District School Board

Writer

Ken O’Neill – Kawartha Pine-Ridge District School Board

 

Reviewers

Peter Stasiuk – Durham College

Steve Etienne – Niagara District School Board

Shirley Scott – Niagara District School Board

Gail Ivanco – Durham District School Board

 

 

 

Catholic Project Manager

Barry Elliott – Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

 

Lead Writer

Susan Di Laudo – Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

Writing Team

Anne Hebert – Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

John Basarac – Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

 

Reviewers

Bernie Masromattei, Special Education Consultant – Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

Fr. Peter Hrytsyk, Catholic Studies Chairperson, Holy Names High School – Windsor

Frank Stranges, Mathematics Teacher, John Paul II Secondary School – London

Dave Davis, Mathematics Coordinator, St. Clair College – Windsor

Dr. Richard Caron, Dean of Mathematics and Science – University of Windsor

 

Course Overview

Mathematics of Personal Finance, Grade 11, College Preparation, MBF3C

Prerequisite:  Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied

Course Description

This course promotes the development of problem-solving and decision-making skills in a realistic financial context. The concepts of exponential growth, sequences, and series are studied. These concepts are explored through the concrete applications of interest, investments, living accommodation, transportation, and budgets. The financial framework of the course utilizes individual career paths and projected incomes established using each student’s Annual Education Plan (AEP). Course activities incorporate the technological tools appropriate for financial analysis. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the skills necessary to make sound financial decisions in both post-secondary endeavours and personal life situations.

How This Course Supports the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

This course encourages the Catholic learner to develop his/her gifts and abilities to promote growth toward personal responsibility in preparation for a chosen career path. Throughout the course, emphasis should be placed on moral, ethical, and realistic decision-making in an effort to build responsible citizenship. The classroom environment should instill a spirit of cooperation, rather than competition amongst students, and should foster a collaborative sense of community. The course provides many opportunities for students to work effectively as interdependent team members and to acknowledge and respect the opinions of others.

Course Notes

Students in this course benefit from the following:

Making a Connection to Students’ Career Paths

Emphasis should be placed on developing students’ decision-making skills in a realistic framework. This can be initiated in Unit 1 through an exploration of career opportunities and prospective incomes. This career investigation should be individualized and consistent with each student’s AEP, as developed in the Teacher Advisor Program. Making a connection between career paths and the curriculum fosters student interest and provides them with a context for course concepts.

Using Technology as a Tool for Learning

Society demands that people be proficient in the use of a variety of technological tools. As such, the integration of technology is a critical aspect of this course and should be used wherever applicable. The technological tools appropriate for the students of this course include:  scientific calculators, graphing calculators, spreadsheet software, budgeting software, and the Internet. The proper use of technology can reinforce student understanding and facilitates problem solving.

A Focus on Student Decision-Making

The basis of financial planning is the ability to make informed decisions that can be justified using mathematical reasoning. Students should be encouraged to communicate and support their decisions with the use of appropriate mathematical tools. Teachers should provide the opportunity for students to make financial choices based on real-life scenarios to better prepare students for their financial futures.

A Strategic Course Development

The organization of this course fosters a logical progression of concepts for the student. In Unit 1, the investigation of realistic incomes related to chosen career paths captures student interest and creates a more personal learning environment. Projected incomes from Unit 1 can be integrated into a study of basic savings options and the mathematics of interest in Unit 2. The mathematics of financial growth investigated in Unit 3 will be applied to investment strategies in Unit 4. The financial implications of living accommodation and transportation costs are studied in Units 5 and 6. The impact of various factors on personal household budgets is examined in Unit 7. In Unit 8, students apply their knowledge of previously learned concepts to the creation of a comprehensive long-term financial plan reflective of the career path chosen in unit one.

Units:  Titles and Time

Unit 1

Investigating Income Opportunities

  6 hours

Unit 2

It’s of INTEREST to You

14 hours

Unit 3

The Mathematics of Financial Growth

16 hours

Unit 4

Sequences and Series and their Financial Applications

20 hours

* Unit 5

Home Sweet Home

20 hours

Unit 6

Getting Behind the Wheel

10 hours

* Unit 7

Managing Your Money

17 hours

Unit 8

Summative: Planning your Financial Future

  7 hours

* These units are fully developed in this Course Profile.

 

Unit Overviews

Unit 1:  Investigating Income Opportunities

Time:  6 hours

Unit Description

Students explore a variety of occupations of personal interest that are attainable through their chosen educational path. Expected incomes and educational/training costs involved for their careers of choice are researched and analysed. This topic provides a vehicle for the teacher to review such mathematical concepts as data management, trend analysis, and approaches to problem-solving. Students investigate occupations projected to be in high demand and the educational paths required to enter these fields. It is recommended that students use the anticipated income from one or two potential careers as a focus for the course. This forms the framework for investigations in the remaining units on such topics as affordable mortgages, investment opportunities, and personal budgeting.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

PFV.05, PF5.01, PF5.02, PF5.03

CGE2c, CGE4f, CGE4g, CGE5b

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Investigate Careers and Income Potential

 

Unit 2:  It’s of INTEREST to You

Time:  14 hours

Unit Description

Students expand their knowledge of various savings options offered by financial institutions. Simple interest and compound interest are explored in the context of savings plans, with and without the use of technology. An understanding of compounding is used to examine the nature of exponential growth. Students describe the significance of exponential growth as represented by tables, graphs, and equations. Models of exponential functions are provided to allow the students to apply their knowledge. Students use their acquired knowledge and their chosen career path to make decisions about realistic savings alternatives and justify these decisions mathematically.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

PFV.04, CIV.03, PF4.01, PF4.02, CI3.01

CGE2b

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Application

Comparing Types of Savings Options

2

CIV.02, CIV.03, PFV.04, PF4.01, PF4.02, CI2.01, CI2.02, CI2.03, CI3.02

CGE4f, CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

Application

Calculating Interest: Simple and Compound

3

EGV.01, EG1.01, EG1.02, EG1.03

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Application

Exploring the Nature of Exponential Growth

4

PFV.04, PF4.04, PF4.05

CGE2b, CGE2c

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Communication

Choosing Savings Accounts

 

Unit 3:  The Mathematics of Financial Growth

Time:  16 hours

Unit Description

Students sketch the graphs of simple exponential functions given their equations, and compare the rates of change of different types of functions. Emphasis will be placed on those functions which relate to financial growth through investigation with technology, the properties of exponential functions with equations of the form y = ax, and their graphs are analysed. Students evaluate simple expressions involving natural, rational and integral exponents, with and without the use of technology. Students perform operations to solve exponential equations involving common bases.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

EGV.02, EG2.01, EG2.02

CGE4e. CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Exploring Exponential Functions without technology

2

EGV.02, EG2.03

CGE5a, CGE5b

Communication

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Exploring exponential functions using technology

3

EGV.03, EG3.01, EG3.02, EG3.03 EG3.04, EG3.05

CGE4e, CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

Application

Manipulating and Solving Exponential Expressions

Unit 4:  Sequences and Series and their Financial Applications

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Students identify terms in a sequence and differentiate between geometric and arithmetic forms. Relationships between interest calculations and sequences and series are explored. Using scientific calculators, students solve various problems involving ordinary annuities and apply this knowledge to investment decisions. Through investigation and calculation, comparisons are made between investment alternatives and their associated risks. Students make informed investment decisions and justify their reasoning for such decisions.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

CIV.01, CI1.01, CI1.02, CI1.03

CGE4e, CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

Examining Sequences and Series

2

CIV.02, CI2.06, CI2.07

CGE4e, CGE5a

Application

Applying Sequences and Series to Interest Problems

3

CIV.02, CI2.04, CI2.05

CGE5b

Application

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Problem-solving with Annuities

4

CIV.03, PFV.04, CI3.03, CI3.04, PF4.03, PF4.04, PF4.05

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE5e

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Communication

Making Investment Decisions

 

Unit 5:  Home Sweet Home

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Students investigate costs and make comparisons among various types of accommodations, summarizing their findings in presentations. Common mortgage terminology is introduced and the methods of compounding mortgage interest are explored. Appropriate technology is used to calculate total interest and to determine the time required to pay off a mortgage when specific mortgage features are varied (i.e., payment frequency, amortization period, and payment amounts). Students use mathematical analysis as a basis for sound accommodation decision-making.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

PFV.02, PFV.04, PF2.01, PF2.02, PF2.03, PF2.04, PF4.01, PF4.02, PF4.03, PF4.04

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c

Knowledge/ Understanding

Communication

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Exploring Accommodation Alternatives

2

CIV.03, CI3.05, CI3.06

CGE2b, CGE4f

Knowledge/ Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Investigating Mortgage Terminology and Interest Calculations

3

CIV.03, CI3.07, CI3.08

CGE5a

Application

Developing Amortization Tables

4

CIV.03, PFV.04, CI3.09, CI3.10, PF4.05

CGE4f, CGE5a

Application

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Investigating Mortgage Features

5

PFV.02, PFV.04, PF2.02, PF2.03, PF2.04, PF4.03, PF4.04, PF4.05

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Communication

Making Accommodation Decisions

 

Unit 6:  Getting Behind the Wheel

Time:  10 hours

Unit Description

Students explore and compare the purchasing costs, ownership costs, and features of new and used vehicles. The financial options of leasing and purchasing vehicles are investigated and compared. Students collect and analyse information on specific vehicles and communicate a well-justified decision regarding vehicle and financing choice.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

PFV.01, PFV.04, PF1.01, PF1.03, PF4.01

CGE4f, CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Exploring Vehicle Costs

2

PFV.01, CIV.03, PF1.02, CI3.13, PF4.01

CGE4f, CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

Application

Comparing Buying vs. Leasing

3

PFV.01, PFV.04, CIV.03, PF1.04, PF4.02, PF4.03, PF4.04, PF4.05, CI3.14

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c, CGE5e

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Communication

Making Vehicle Purchase Decisions

 

Unit 7:  Managing your Money

Time:  17 hours

Unit Description

The impact of various factors on household budgeting is examined. Students investigate the impact of types of retailing on the buyer. Currency conversions are analysed and the impact of foreign exchange rates on the purchases and/or travel plans of the consumer is considered. This leads to an examination of credit card/debit card features and the short-term and long-term effects of carrying credit card debt. Students apply this information, together with the income potential expected from their chosen career path, to design and justify budgets for a variety of family groupings. A variety of technological tools, including spreadsheets and the Internet facilitate explorations in this area.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

PFV.04, PF4.07

CGE5a

Knowledge/Understanding

The Impact of Currency Exchange on the Buyer

2

PFV.04, PF4.06

CGE5a, CGE4f

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Investigating the Impact of Selling Techniques on the Buyer

3

CIV.03, CI3.11, CI3.12

CGE7b

Knowledge/Understanding

Application

Investigating the Features of Credit and Debit Cards

4

PFV.03, PF3.01, PF3.02, PF3.03

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Communication

Exploring living costs for a Variety of Family Groupings

5

PFV.01, PFV.02, PFV.03, PFV.04, PFV.05, PF3.04

CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE3c, CGE5e

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Communication

Designing a Budget Considering Factors Affecting Budget Plans

 

Unit 8:  Summative Assessment: Planning your Financial Future

Time:  7 hours

Unit Description

Students use their chosen career path and the anticipated salary as the basis for the creation of a realistic long-term financial plan. Specific decisions related to investments, accommodation choice and vehicle purchases are made in support of the achievement of specific future goals. Students use the knowledge acquired throughout the course and appropriate technology to justify their choices.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

CIV.02, CIV.03, PFV.01, PFV.02, PFV.03, PFV.04, CI2.05, CI3.13, CI3.14, PF1.04, PF2.04, PF3.03, PF3.04, PF4.01, PF4.02, PF4.03, PF4.04, PF4.05

CGE3c, CGE4f, CGE4g, CGE5g, CGE7b

Knowledge/Understanding

Application

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving

Communication

Financial Planning to Achieve Goal

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The use of a variety of Teaching/Learning Strategies provides students with multiple ways to learn the knowledge and skills, and a variety of ways to demonstrate what they know and can do.

In the use of this Course Profile, teachers should:

·         integrate the technological tools and software available to promote students’ exploration and understanding of mathematical concepts;

·         consider the use of classroom demonstrations in situations where technological tools for each student are not available, e.g., use of a computer projection device, sample print-out from spreadsheet applications;

·         invite guest speakers to enhance the relevancy of course material;

·         make reference to individual student’s AEPs to establish a realistic framework for student work in the course;

·         use a variety of media resources (e.g., newspapers, Internet, magazines)

·         offer a variety of instructional methods (experimental investigations, use of various forms of technology, station-based activities, use of visual aids, etc.) to account for multiple learning styles;

·         provide opportunities for students to present mathematical results in a variety of different presentation formats;

·         utilize a balance of whole-class, small group, and individual instruction through student-centred and teacher-directed activities.

In achieving the expectations of this course, students:

·         demonstrate their knowledge and understanding using a variety of methods and mathematical/technological tools;

·         develop responsibility for their own learning and decision-making;

·         recognize the importance of course material as it pertains to their future;

·         increase their proficiency with technology, particularly as a support for financial decision-making;

·         become informed financial decision-makers, aware of the options available to all consumers;

·         are able to work individually and cooperatively;

·         summarize and support decisions using a variety of strategies.

Assessment and Evaluation of Student Achievement

To effectively evaluate student achievement, a balance of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment instruments should be used. Students must be assessed and evaluated on all learning expectations set out by the curriculum documents. A variety of assessment tools including observational checklists, performance criteria, rubrics, the Achievement Chart for Mathematics, marking schemes, and rating scales. Peer, and self-assessment should be utilized.

Specific tools which may be considered when evaluating student achievement according to Achievement Chart categories are provided below. These lists are not comprehensive, but may serve as a guide for evaluating student achievement.

Knowledge/Understanding

Achievement in this category reflects the student’s ability to demonstrate understanding of mathematical concepts and to perform algorithms.

To evaluate Knowledge/Understanding consider the use of:

·         Quizzes and daily drills;

·         Short-answer and skill-based calculations on unit tests and exams;

·         Student-teacher conferencing;

·         Accuracy of mathematical answers in reports and presentations.

Thinking/Inquiry/Problem-solving

Achievement in this category reflects the student’s ability to demonstrate reasoning and to apply the steps of an inquiry/problem-solving process effectively. This category lends itself to the use of rubrics due to the open-ended nature of many of the problems.

To evaluate Thinking/Inquiry/Problem-solving consider the use of:

·         Broad-based, open-ended problems on unit tests and exams;

·         Rich assessment tasks and assignments;

·         Observation of problem-solving strategies used in group-work;

·         Student-teacher conferencing;

·         Tasks requiring complexity of mathematical reasoning in reports and presentations.

Application

Achievement in this category reflects the student’s ability to apply concepts and procedures to familiar and unfamiliar settings.

To evaluate Application consider the use of:

·         Appropriate application of technological tools;

·         Rich problems on unit tests and exams;

·         Application of mathematical knowledge and understanding in reports and presentations.

Communication

Achievement in this category reflects the student’s ability to communicate his/her reasoning using mathematical language, symbols, and conventions. Rubrics are an effective and efficient tool when evaluating presentations and displays.

To evaluate Communication consider the use of:

·         Verbal presentation of homework solutions;

·         Appropriate use of mathematical language and terminology on tests and assignments;

·         Journals;

·         Use of visual aids during presentations;

·         Clarity of written expression in solutions;

·         Observation of student interaction during group work;

·         Clarity of mathematical reasoning in reports and presentations.

An Evaluation Breakdown

The course evaluation must consist of 70% term work and 30% summative assessment.

It is suggested that students maintain a portfolio to support Unit 8 investigations. The portfolio could include:

·         Investigation of career path information (Unit 1)

·         Selection of appropriate savings options (Unit 2)

·         Description of investment decisions (Unit 4)

·         Explanation of accommodation and vehicle choices (Unit 5 and Unit 6)

·         Proposed personal budget (Unit 7) based on projected income and expenses

To assess Learning Skills

Teachers should be aware that learning skills are not to be included in the determination of the percentage grade. However, learning skills need to be assessed and reported separately on the student report cards and should be tracked throughout the term.

The following is a partial list of suggested indicators of learning skills:

Organization

·         Preparedness (materials for class)

·         Submitted work (including timeliness)

Work Habits

·         Completion of homework

·         Use of class time

Team Work

·         Cooperation in group setting

·         Contribution in group setting

Initiative

·         Display of leadership

·         Participation in class discussion

·         Responsibility for own learning

Works Independently

·         Commitment to task

·         Effort in solving problems individually

Accommodations

Teachers should refer to the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) and consider their particular learning characteristics to make any necessary accommodations. Teachers should work in consultation with resource teachers, ESL/ELD teachers, and parents or guardians to determine appropriate accommodations as they work through the course to achieve the expectations described in the IEP.

Partial List of Student Accommodations

·         Provide for flexible timelines regarding the completion of projects and assignments.

·         Provide oral pre-planning of activities with students

·         Allow students to work in alternate settings (e.g., resource room) where students can receive assistance with problems

·         Provide alternate formats for assignments (e.g., written report, oral presentation, demonstration)

·         Provide multiple opportunities to be successful on tasks or tests

·         Make accommodations with respect to test and exam writing environments (e.g., time, use of technology, use of scribe, etc.)

Accommodations for ESL/ELD Students

·         Have ESL students work in pairs, with peer tutors, with classmates that have the same linguistic background, or with cooperative supportive groups.

·         Use peer conferencing to reinforce instructions or information.

·         Ask an ESL/ELD teacher to review questions, assignments, or assessment instruments.

·         Provide sets of reference notes, outlines, or critical information, as well as models of charts, timelines, or diagrams.

·         Reinforce main ideas by using the think/pair/share peer-assessment strategy.

·         Pair written instructions with verbal instructions.

·         Use visuals to illustrate definitions.

·         Simplify instructions.

·         Highlight key words or phrases.

·         Brainstorm in groups using the students’ first language if their usage of English is limited.

·         Provide opportunities for students to practice oral presentation skills.

·         Allow students opportunities to practice oral presentation skills in non-intimidating environments.

·         Provide visual or auditory cues.

Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities

·         Provide extensive student-teacher conferencing.

·         Provide a list of terms (possibly simplified) before an activity begins.

·         Modify handouts in terms of the terminology and content used, as well as the size and typeface of the selected font. Allow plenty of space for written responses.

·         Allow assignments to be completed in alternate formats or using longer timelines.

·         Keep manipulatives, grid paper, formula sheets, and other aids available for needs that arise.

·         Contact parents or guardians for support and suggestions.

·         Provide the students with oral pre-planning of activities.

Resources

Note: The URLs for the websites have been verified by the writer prior to publication. Given the frequency with which these designations change, teachers should always verify the websites prior to assigning them for student use.

Print

Airasian, P.W. Classroom Assessment. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1994.

Andrini, B. Cooperative Learning and Mathematics: A Multi-Structural Approach. California: Resources for Teachers. 1991.

Baker, E. “Making Performance Assessment Work: The Road Ahead”. Educational Leadership 51, (1994): 6:58-62.

Burz, H.L. and K. Marshall. Performance-Based Curriculum for Mathematics. California: Sage, 1996.

Bush, W.S. and A.S. Greer, eds. Mathematics Assessment – A Practical Handbook for Grades 9-12. Retson, VA: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1999.

Countryman, J. Writing to Learn Mathematics. Portsmouth: Heinemann. 1992.

Hibbard, K.M., et al. A Teacher’s Guide to Performance-Based Learning and Assessment. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Department. 1996.

Lambdin, D.V., et al. Emphasis on Assessment: Readings from NCTM’s School-Based Journals. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1996.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Assessment Standards for School Mathematics. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1997.

OAME, The Mathematics Gazette. Forest: Pole Printing.

O’Neil, J. “Putting Performance Assessment to the Test.” Educational Leadership 49, 8:14-19. 1992.

Romberg, T.A., ed. Reform in School Mathematics and Authentic Assessment. New York: State University of New York Press. 1995.

Romberg, T.A., ed. Mathematics Assessment and Evaluation: Imperatives for Mathematics Educators. New York: State University of New York Press. 1992.

Silver, E.A., et al. Thinking Through Mathematics: Fostering Inquiry and Communication in Mathematics Classrooms. New York: College Entrance Examination Board. 1990.

Stepien, W. and S. Gallagher. “Problem-Based Learning: As Authentic As It Gets.” Educational Leadership 50, 7:25-28. 1993.

Trafford, Larry. Educating the Soul: Writing Curriculum for Catholic Secondary Schools. Toronto: Institute for Catholic Education. 1998.

Websites

Career Information - www.coolmath.com/careers.htm
- http://on.cx.bridges.com

Education Network of Ontario - www.enoreo.on.ca

Internet Public Library - http://www.ipl.org

 

 

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